FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC Odds: Third Clash for the Clubs This Season

• FC Cincinnati lost to Columbus Crew in the first MLS game after the mid-season break before losing in the US Open Cup semi-final against Inter Miami 
• New York City FC resumed their MLS campaign with a disappointing loss at home against Minnesota United
• The two clubs have clashed twice this season, once in the league and before that in the US Open Cup. FC Cincinnati emerged victorious in both games

FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC Odds

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FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC Pick

• Our Pick: FC Cincinnati to win

FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC Predictions

As things stand, FC Cincinnati are leading the Eastern Conference by eight points. They had a glorious opportunity to increase it to 11 points this past weekend when the MLS season resumed after the mid-season break. However, a shock 3-0 defeat against Columbus Crew handed the Conference leaders only their third loss of the season. The club's morale suffered another blow this week in the US Open Cup as Inter Miami beat FC Cincinnati on penalties and advanced to the final.

The situation at New York City FC is getting quite nervy. The club has registered only one win in the last 16 league games in the MLS. Across all competitions, New York City FC have won just two out of the last 20 games. Before the mid-season break, Philadelphia Union handed New York City FC a 2-1 defeat, and the league resumed with a 2-0 loss against Minnesota United. A solitary win in the Leagues Cup was enough to push the club into the knockout stage. However, in the first elimination round, they were knocked out by their fierce rivals New York Red Bulls.

Both teams are desperate for a win but for different reasons. Considering all aspects, FC Cincinnati have a better chance of victory in this encounter. The side also leads the Supporters Shield table, seven points clear of St. Louis City SC.

Previous Meetings

The head-to-head record between the two teams strongly favors the visitors. In ten encounters across all competitions between these two clubs, New York City FC have snatched the win on six occasions, while FC Cincinnati have only won twice.

FC Cincinnati registered both their wins this season to end an eight-game winless drought against New York City FC. In May this year, Brandon Vazquez’s solitary strike helped FC Cincinnati eliminate New York City FC from the US Open Cup.

A month later, the Conference leaders nabbed a splendid 3-1 win at the Yankee Stadium. Vazquez was on the scoresheet again as he scored the third goal for his side. Luciano Acosta and Alvaro Barreal were the other two scorers.

New York City FC’s last win at the TQL Stadium came in a heated MLS encounter in the 2021 season. Brenner da Silva put the hosts in front after just four minutes. However, goals from Keaton Parks and Valentin Castellanos turned the game on its head, and FC Cincinnati finished with nine men after the dismissals of Barreal and Isaac Atanga in the final few minutes.

FC Cincinnati Desperate to End Winless Streak  

When the mid-season break commenced, FC Cincinnati had lost just two games in over 25 matches across all competitions. Towards the end of the break and the recommencement of the MLS, the club has already lost three matches.

FC Cincinnati were eliminated from the 2023 Leagues Cup in the first knockout round against Nashville SC on penalties. After a four-week hiatus, they resumed the MLS season and lost 3-0 against Columbus Crew last weekend.

To make matters worse, they fell to a third consecutive defeat earlier this week when Inter Miami eliminated them from the US Open Cup in the semifinals. A disastrous run like this can spoil any team’s season, so FC Cincinnati will be eager to bounce back this weekend.

Still Unbeaten at Home in The MLS  

FC Cincinnati need a major psychological advantage before they host New York City FC this weekend. Their prolific home form in the league this season will provide that advantage. The hosts are one of two teams that are yet to lose a match at home this season.

So far, FC Cincinnati have played 12 league games in their own backyard. They have won 11 of those and drawn just one. The only other team that is unbeaten at home this season is the New England Revolution.

Midfielder in Scintillating Form  

The hosts will rely on their talisman, Luciano Acosta, in the next match and for almost all games this season. The Argentine has been in sensational form this season, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists in 23 MLS appearances.

The 29-year-old was on the scoresheet when the two sides last met this season at the end of May. Even Acosta will be looking for a goal contribution, as he has fired blanks in the last three games.

New York City FC Looking to Prey on Vulnerabilities   

Despite not being in the best form, New York City FC will certainly be looking to pull off an upset and make the situation worse for FC Cincinnati. Coach Nick Cushing will probably look at tapes of Columbus Crew scoring three past one of the best defenses in the league.

Exploiting the same vulnerabilities that Columbus Crew exploited in the last match will be one of the tactics in place for New York City FC. However, it could backfire if FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan tweaks his gameplay and fixes the problem his side faced in the last match.

The odds of New York City FC gaining any points from this game are relatively low, but the club has pulled off a couple of surprising results this season by winning against Nashville SC and holding New England Revolution to a draw.

Concerning Record on the Road

While New York City FC have secured the aforementioned surprises this season, both have come in their own backyard. Away from home, the team has struggled to nab all available points. In 14 away games, New York City FC have only won once this season.

However, there is a positive aspect to this statistic. Despite winning just one, the club has not lost the other games. They have lost only six, and seven games have ended in draws that have frustrated many opponents.

New York City FC Veteran Returns to the Midfield

In an effort to turn things around this season, New York City FC have brought in a few reinforcements. The most surprising transfer has been the return of seasoned midfielder Maxi Moralez.

The 36-year-old left New York City FC at the end of last year after a five-year stint with the club. He moved to Racing Club and played there till this month and has now completed a dramatic return to New York City FC.

How to Watch FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC

• Teams: FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC
• Location: TQL Stadium
• Time: Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 pm ET
• How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, FS1, and Fox Deportes